Australia’s NIOA Group has just announced the acquisition of Barrett Firearms. NIOA partnered with Barrett to provide anti-material rifles to the Australian Defence Force and in October of last year, NIOA named Barrett a key sub-contractor. Seen below is Sam Shallenberger (President, Barrett) and Rob Nioa (Group CEO, NIOA).
This signals the transition of founder Ronnie Barrett, a legend in the US small arms industry who developed a family of .50 anti-material rifles and other precision firearms including the US Mk22 Advanced Sniper Rifle.
Below is their press release.
NIOA acquires US manufacturer Barrett Firearms
Australian defence contractor NIOA has expanded its global reach with the 100 per cent acquisition of the industry-leading rifle design and manufacturing company, Barrett Firearms.
In announcing the deal, NIOA Group CEO Robert Nioa said the two family-owned companies came together out of a shared commitment to quality, innovation, loyalty, and mission.
NIOA Group CEO Robert Nioa has announced the company’s acquisition of US rifle maker Barrett Firearms.
“NIOA’s association with Barrett dates back to 2008. We have been inspired by the story of Barrett and admire what Ronnie, Chris and the family have built over more than four decades,” Mr Nioa said.
“It’s been a story of hard work, perseverance, and purpose culminating in the delivery of critical capability for the men and women of the US military and its allies around the world as well as exceptional products to law enforcement agencies and civilian markets.
“Together we share the same mission – combining our expertise and family business values will ensure Barrett carries on building the finest products in the world.’’
Mr Nioa confirmed the company would continue to operate under the Barrett brand as a separate division within the NIOA Group alongside NIOA Australia, NIOA New Zealand, the Australian Missile Corporation and the group’s investment in joint venture company Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions.
All management and staff at the Murfreesboro manufacturing facility in Tennessee have been retained and production will continue as normal. Over time it is expected that manufacturing activities in Murfreesboro will be further expanded.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Mr Nioa also announced two key leadership appointments – current Barrett President Sam Shallenberger has been promoted to the role of Chief Executive Officer while long-serving Barrett Chief Operating Officer Bryan James becomes President.
Ronnie and Chris Barrett will provide ongoing support as executive advisers to Barrett and the NIOA Group.
Barrett founder Ronnie Barrett said: “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Barrett story. Rob and the NIOA team have great respect for the legacy Barrett has created as the leader in long range precision rifles. It’s reassuring to know Barrett will be in good hands with a family-owned company that is focussed on manufacturing and delivering world-class firearms and munitions to a global network.”
The Barrett acquisition marks an exciting next chapter for NIOA as the company’s entry to the US market where it has long-standing trusted relationships with American companies such as Vista Outdoors, Leupold, General Dynamics, Northrup Grumman, and the Winchester-operated Lake City ammunition plant.
That’s bloody excellent news!
If only we in Australia could actually own most of the product line-up…
Still good news…and other Barrett products that can be promoted here.
Hmmmm.
What hasn’t been mentioned is that NIOA, while being the prime contractor running Land 159 (the update for Australian Military Small Arms), also put up the Barrett rifles as contenders for the .50 cal sniper rifle component.
Hit the links.
Not at all factual.
While I know Barret doesn’t make a ton of sales to private citizens in the US, but is there any chance that with the general antigun sentiment in Australia, they could limit sales in the US?
No, it’s a private company and nothing to do with minority public opinion.
I would fully expect that the anti-liberty forces inside and outside the US government will call upon their comrades in the Australian regime to put the screws to the parent company to shut down Barrett sales and support to US civilians. I’ll be somewhat amazed if that doesn’t happen prior to 2024.
You do realize that Rob Nioa is a businessman right? That he paid millions of dollars for Barrett? You also know who Ronnie Barrett is, right?
Whenever there is any doubt, there is no doubt. Buy one now ….
Bloody tragic! Australia is a Penal Colony that makes Devil’s Island look like tropical paradise! This isn’t going to end well!
I would fully expect that the anti-liberty forces inside and outside the US government will call upon their comrades in the Australian regime to put the screws to the parent company to shut down Barrett sales and support to US civilians. I’ll be somewhat amazed if that doesn’t happen prior to 2024.
NIOA awards Barrett the ADF contract (announced 1 Oct 2022) for the Anti-Materiel Rifle System, then a few months later buys Barrett, effectively acquiring the ADF contract win for themselves.
I say “well played!” This is a stroke of absolute business genius.
I wonder who’s next on their list of acquisitions. Maybe they ‘acquire’ Aquaterro/SIG next and really kick the firearms industry into another galaxy.
The world is yours, Robert/NIOA you go you good thing;-)